(USGBC: Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Guide for Health Care have agreed to help green the health care industry by fostering best practices and ensuring that the health care industry has the tools and resources to build green. Green hospital buildings are healthier for the patients, doctors, and nurses; use less energy and water; and have less of an effect on the environment.

“The health care industry is by far one of the more important sectors that can benefit from the practice of green building design and construction,” says Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO, and founding chair. “Patients in green hospitals have greater emotional well-being, require less pain medication and other drugs, and have shorter hospital stays.”

USGBC and GGHC agreed to work together on the development of tools, educational programs, and other activities to support green health care building. USGBC and GGHC will jointly develop health care-related resource materials, education and training events; identify a prioritized research agenda; and continue to collaborate on developing future health care-related green building tools. USGBC will administer the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for health care certification process and the GGHC will continue to act as a change agent and tool developer dedicated to empowering the health delivery industry to take a leadership position in the world of green building and operation. As such, the Green Guide will continue to develop the next generation of the GGHC tools.

“Green hospitals seek to reduce use of and exposure to toxic chemicals and provide a healthier healing environment,” says Adele Houghton, project manager at GGHC. “By employing green practices, whether incrementally or from the ground up, many hospitals are managing to lower energy bills, reduce waste, and achieve healthier indoor air quality.”

Numerous studies have shown dramatic increases in the health, happiness, and productivity of people who live and work in green buildings and hospitals are no exception. Nurses, doctors, and other staff work long hours in a high-stress environment, and providing them with a safe and comfortable work place is vital to their health and to the health of their patients. Improvements in the working environment increase staff effectiveness and satisfaction and greatly reduce errors, contributing positively to the quality of patient care.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org/Docs/News/USGBC%20GGHC%20112907.pdf